8. Know Your Audience

Thinkstock

A presentation isn't about you — it’s about your audience. Knowing your audience lets you cater the presentation to make sure they learn what they want to know (a hallmark of good presenters). Knowing your audience will also help you to set a tone that suits the crowd. What should your tone be: Formal? Friendly? Since you’re not delivering your presentation verbatim, be prepared to speak off the cuff at least part of the time to engage your audience. Will you be addressing attendees by their first or last names? Are jokes appropriate with this group? If your audience is milling around before you start, take the time to introduce yourself to at least one or two of them. This can help you connect with at least a few faces in the crowd, and humanizing your audience can help you feel less nervous.